Sunday, December 7, 2008

Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee


The namesake for Fall Creek Falls State Park, this is the highest of four major waterfalls in the park. This jaw dropping waterfall plunges 256 feet into a shaded rock-strewn pool, making it the highest waterfall in America east of the Rockies. The view of the falls from across the gorge is easily accessed via a short paved path. However, those who want to go to the base of the falls will need to hike. The .40 mile trail is short, but very steep with a 300' climb down over boulders, stairs, a rough footway - and back up again. One should be in reasonably good physical condition to hike the Base of Falls Trail.

When you reach the bottom of the falls you will swear that you have hiked more than .40 mile, and the hard climb back up is still ahead of you. But when you feel the cool spray of the falls against your face and look up at the magnificent sight you will feel well rewarded. A sign warns against venturing onto the rocks at the base of the falls, but when we were last there many folks were ignoring the sign, a few even taking a refreshing dip. One can walk around behind the falls for a very interesting view, looking out through the column of falling water.

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